High hopes: The humble Queenslander with plans to see the world
By Sean Parnell
The owners of a Queenslander in inner-Brisbane have applied for a vertical extension – not unlike a treehouse without a tree – that would give them space and city views.
A development application lodged with Brisbane City Council this week seeks permission for an extension starting 6.5 metres above the ground and peeking out above the two buildings that make up the existing New Farm home.
The proposed vertical extension to a worker’s cottage is the subject of a development application.Credit:Brisbane City Council
The site is a battle-axe block, with houses on three sides and apartments on the fourth. It is also subject to additional planning regulations to maintain the character of the street, which is not far from upmarket James Street.
Town planners engaged by the owners have told council the extension will largely comprise timber and aluminium, to be sympathetic to character houses in the area that carry multi-million dollar price tags.
If approved, the proposed extension will tower above New Farm.Credit:Brisbane City Council
“The platform will be accessed via an external staircase which is directly linked to the main house,” they wrote.
“The balcony extension will have a gross floor area of 17.4m2 [and] be enclosed with louvre windows and a sliding door.”
Neighbours are yet to make any submissions on the proposed development, and it is not clear when council will make a decision on whether to give it the go-ahead.
While the space’s purpose was not spelt out in the submission, its bird’s-nest views would make it the perfect place to entertain guests during a Queensland summer.